TERRE HAUTE, Ind – Indiana State University announced Tuesday that Assistant Chief Michele Barrett, will become the interim Chief of the Public Safety Department on January 3rd. This follows the retirement of current Chief Joe Newport.
Barrett, who has been Assistant Chief since moving to ISU in 2014, will become the first woman to occupy the position of Chief at ISU.
Barrett worked for the Terre Haute Police Department from 1993 until joining ISUPD. Her positions at THPD were lieutenant in charge of accreditation; sergeant in the violent crimes unit; patrol sergeant; detective working juvenile and white collar crimes; and patrol officer.
Barrett grew up in Terre Haute. She graduated from Terre Haute South High School and Purdue University.